The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM will start the Dutch one-day race Arnhem-Veenendaal on Friday with Theo Bos as leader. The sprinter, born in the region, hopes to do well on familiar ground, just as in 2011 and 2012, when he won the race.

“I know the area as my training sessions sometimes lead through the area. I like the race. The course has slightly changed, compared to the times I won, it’s a bit harder, but my legs feel good. I’m in good shape after the Tour of Poland,” said Bos. “It’s always difficult to win a race several times but we have a good team and I’m confident that we can get in the mix for the victory.”

Jan Boven
Jan Boven is also full of confidence. “This is a kind of home race for Theo. He made steps forward in the Tour of Poland, a difficult race, and so we will ride by his side on Friday.”

The sports director expects a good challenge. “The organisation comes up with something new every year. This year, we’ll ride with six men and a changed course. The finish is one of the things that is altered. Instead of finishing outside Veenendaal, we now end the race in the city centre.

“With six men, we have to be careful in how we control the race. I think there will be other teams that want a sprint as well and together with them, we’ll have a nice task in neutralising the attacks of the smaller teams.”